The Assateague horses have fascinated people of all ages for generations. Assateague is one of the few places in the United States where you can still view wild horses in their natural habitat. While it's not known where they came from, there are many theories that make viewing them all the more interesting.
Located on the border of Virginia and Maryland, Assateague is divided along the border by a large fence. The herd is split into two groups, the Virginia herd and the Maryland herd, which are kept separated by the fence. Both herds are about the same size and are managed by different groups.
There are two herds living there, separated by the fence. The Virginia herd and the Maryland herd have about three hundred horses total. These two herds then divide themselves into smaller sub-groups of about ten animals each. In these sub-group they eat, play, and sleep together.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the herd on the Virginia side. The herd needs to be kept at a manageable number that the land can sustain. So, every year they are taken across the water to the Chincoteague island nearby for the Pony Penning Festival. At the festival most of the young males are auctioned off, and the money goes to the management of the remaining animals.
The Maryland herd is managed by the National Park Service. These animals are kept at a manageable number by injecting the females with a contraceptive vaccine, administered via dart. This prevents them from getting pregnant so the numbers stay at a reasonable level.
Human contact can be detrimental to the animals because they have lived for so long by themselves. So, visitors are encouraged to keep away and only enjoy the beauty of the animals from a distance. This is not just for the protection of the animal, but for humans as well. A fantastic way to view them is by taking a boat trip along the shore and watch them from there.
Parks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides are open year round. Bikes and walking are allowed on both sides of the border for no cost, however, if you wish to bring a vehicle there is a small fee. There is also a campground on the Maryland side, as well as proper accommodation, for those people looking to spend a few nights in the park.
There is also the opportunity to have weddings and other special functions on the island, along with the traditional tours on offer. Picture an unforgettable wedding at the shore with these beautiful animals racing along the beach in the background for an incredible wedding day. Or bring your family to the campground to have your next family reunion, one you will never forget.
The history surrounding the Assateague horses is as mysterious as the creatures themselves. With such beauty and strength, they have come to be admired by thousands of visitors every year. And seeing them in their beautiful natural environment is certainly an amazing sight to see.
Located on the border of Virginia and Maryland, Assateague is divided along the border by a large fence. The herd is split into two groups, the Virginia herd and the Maryland herd, which are kept separated by the fence. Both herds are about the same size and are managed by different groups.
There are two herds living there, separated by the fence. The Virginia herd and the Maryland herd have about three hundred horses total. These two herds then divide themselves into smaller sub-groups of about ten animals each. In these sub-group they eat, play, and sleep together.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the herd on the Virginia side. The herd needs to be kept at a manageable number that the land can sustain. So, every year they are taken across the water to the Chincoteague island nearby for the Pony Penning Festival. At the festival most of the young males are auctioned off, and the money goes to the management of the remaining animals.
The Maryland herd is managed by the National Park Service. These animals are kept at a manageable number by injecting the females with a contraceptive vaccine, administered via dart. This prevents them from getting pregnant so the numbers stay at a reasonable level.
Human contact can be detrimental to the animals because they have lived for so long by themselves. So, visitors are encouraged to keep away and only enjoy the beauty of the animals from a distance. This is not just for the protection of the animal, but for humans as well. A fantastic way to view them is by taking a boat trip along the shore and watch them from there.
Parks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides are open year round. Bikes and walking are allowed on both sides of the border for no cost, however, if you wish to bring a vehicle there is a small fee. There is also a campground on the Maryland side, as well as proper accommodation, for those people looking to spend a few nights in the park.
There is also the opportunity to have weddings and other special functions on the island, along with the traditional tours on offer. Picture an unforgettable wedding at the shore with these beautiful animals racing along the beach in the background for an incredible wedding day. Or bring your family to the campground to have your next family reunion, one you will never forget.
The history surrounding the Assateague horses is as mysterious as the creatures themselves. With such beauty and strength, they have come to be admired by thousands of visitors every year. And seeing them in their beautiful natural environment is certainly an amazing sight to see.
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